Behind the brush

María José Miranda has played a pivotal role in promoting Mexican culture and traditions in Toronto, Canada, since 1994. Her frequent travels to Mexico maintain her deep, firsthand connection with its history, people, and living traditions.

At the age of 13, she joined Alianza Mexicano Canadiense—one of the earliest Mexican dance groups established in Toronto—where she eventually taught both adults and children. In 2005, she joined Ballet Folklórico Puro México (BFPM) as a dancer, taking over direction of the non-profit organization in 2007. Under her leadership, BFPM made history as the first Mexican dance troupe to secure first place in the folk-dance competition at the 2010 International CHIN Picnic, going on to perform at landmark events like The Ontario Celebration Zone for the 2015 Pan-American Games and the official Canada 150 celebrations at Queen's Park in 2017.

While directing BFPM, María José led the group's showcase at the Harbourfront Centre’s Día de Muertos celebrations from 2013 to 2017. It was here that the true origin of her passion project took root. Conceptualizing the “Calaveras y Colores” program, she set out to feature every performer in full, intricate skull makeup—a monumental artistic undertaking. Alongside her makeup design, she curated traditional Ofrenda exhibits dedicated to community figures and Mexican cultural icons, including Don Gilberto Hernández, Amalia Hernández, Diego Rivera, José Clemente Orozco, David Alfaro Siqueiros, and Adela Velarde Pérez (“Adelita”).

Continuing her commitment to the Harbourfront Centre festival as an independent artist, María José executed solo Ofrendas in 2018 and 2019 honoring Frida Kahlo and Roberto Gómez Bolaños (“Chespirito”). A graduate of George Brown College’s Graphic Design program, her formal training in visual aesthetics seamlessly complements her makeup and styling expertise. This focused vision led her to launch two independent projects in 2018: Catrinas Makeup & Design and Ballet Folklórico Alma Mexicana.

Through Catrinas Makeup & Design, María José has emerged as a premier specialist in the art of the Catrina. Her work has resonated far beyond the local stage, garnering an international audience that looks to her for both creative inspiration and cultural authenticity. Today, she remains dedicated to the meticulous styling of Día de Muertos, transforming traditional iconography into a sophisticated, global art form.

For María José, collaborating with fellow artists brings a dynamic new dimension to the Catrinas Makeup & Design project. Partnering with visionary Toronto talent—such as MexxiArts on the 2025 “Piñata Catrina” concept and stylist Dixy Rodríguez, creator of the cultural movement Meximalismo—alongside international artisans like Mexico-based jewelry designer Tita Lopez of Azar by Tita Lopez in 2026, not only showcases extraordinary craftsmanship and precision, but elevates the entire Catrina experience to another level. These creative partnerships prove that borders do not limit artistic vision, but rather unite it.

 Beyond dedicated studio work and artistic collaborations, María José regularly brings the living art of the Catrina to major festivals, cultural expos, and community celebrations:

• Tequila Expo (2024 – Present)
  Headlining live Catrina character design and performance across London, Kitchener, and Oshawa. In 2025, the expo expanded into New Brunswick for the first time, bringing living Mexican performance art and spirit heritage to East Coast audiences.
• Beaches Sandbox Day of the Dead Festival (2024 – Present)                            Featured artist leading community celebrations through hands-on traditional Catrina makeup workshops, live transformations, and kids' face painting. María José enriches these interactive sessions by educating attendees on the historical origins and cultural significance of La Catrina, fostering a deeper understanding of the icon within the community.
• Harbourfront Centre Día de Muertos Festival (2013 – 2019)
  Lead makeup director, performance stylist, and solo Ofrenda curator (featuring dedicated altars for Frida Kahlo and Chespirito).
• Provincial & Civic Celebrations
  Featured performer and director for milestone events including The Ontario Celebration Zone (2015 Pan-American Games) and Canada 150 official celebrations at Queen’s Park.